Preface
The handbook for Graduate Program describes the regulations, rules, and procedures that apply to the Graduate community at LGU, regularly updated by the Graduate Committee. These policies and guidelines include information related to degrees and offered programs, admission and registration procedures, academic regulations and policies, as well as rules pertaining to candidates’ responsibilities and conduct.

Mission Statement of LGU Graduate Programs
The mission of the Graduate Programs at LGU is to foster a culture of excellence and integrity in graduate education, producing a diverse population of skilled graduates whose competence, conduct, and professional presence set them apart in a competitive workforce and bring distinction to the institution. LGU undertakes to provide the highest-quality educational experience both theoretical and practical, delivered by renowned local and international instructors and professors, while promoting an intellectually challenging environment that nurtures critical-thinking and offers opportunities for both professional and personal development.

Available Programs
With LGU’s graduate and professional programs, candidates can explore their interests and develop their passion in one of the following disciplines:

Graduate Programs Total number of credits Duration (years)
Doctorat en Physiothérapie (DPT) 180 3
Master en Santé Publique (MPH) 120 2
Master en Gestion des Établissements Scolaires 120 2
MBA – General Program 120 2
MBA – Hospital Management 120 2
MBA – Marketing and Social Media 120 2
MBA – Quality Management 120 2

Using collaborative learning strategies, LGU Graduate Programs engage candidates in real-world practices to explore and develop professional knowledge and acquire hands-on expertise and skills, through case-studies, simulations, teamwork and individual projects that address current business challenges in local and international job markets. LGU Graduate Programs incorporate best practices into day-to-day interactions and are devised to enhance skills in the following areas:
1. In-depth acquisition of theoretical knowledge;
2. Research and methodological practices;
3. Verbal and non-verbal communication;
4. Leadership and teamwork;
5. Strategic thinking and problem solving abilities;
6. Cultural awareness.

Section 1 – Admission Procedure

1.1 General information
The Office of Admissions receives and processes the applications, collects the required documents (see section 2.1) and issues an application letter in order to schedule an interview with the Graduate Committee (GC) in accordance with the academic calendar. Following the interview, the office of Admissions delivers the decision in writing to the applicants (see section 2.3). The admission of applicants to the Graduate Program is the sole responsibility of the GC who has the final authority for making entrance decisions.

1.2 Application deadlines
Applicants interested in being considered for Graduate studies should apply within the deadlines posted on LGU’s website under the Academic calendar section.

1.3 Application fee
All Graduate candidates are required to pay a nonrefundable applica¬tion fee upon submitting the demand and the required documents.

1.4 Required documents
Applicants should submit a complete file with the below required documents for their application to be processed.

Lebanese applicants
• An application form for graduate studies properly filled in;
• A transcript of records for all available degrees certified by the Ministry of Higher Education;
• One recent passport-size photo certified by the mayor;
• One recent certified copy of the personal civil status record or the ID card;
• An original copy of the police record;
• Proof of residence issued by the mayor;
• An attestation of medical coverage by the National Social Security Fund, mutual insurance, army, or Internal Security Forces if applicable (only for candidates under 30 years);
• Candidates (above 30 years) who do not have a medical coverage by the National Social Security Fund, mutual insurance, army, or Internal Security Forces, have to join the health insurance plan with LGU;
• A Curriculum Vitae;
• A letter of motivation;
• A current employment attestation.

International applicants

All documents required for Lebanese applicants in addition to those listed hereunder:
• A passport copy authenticated by the relevant Embassy;
• A residence certificate from the Lebanese General Security;
• All diplomas should be certified by the relevant Lebanese ministries or authorities.

Transfer applicants

All the documents required above (for Lebanese or International applicants) should be submitted, in addition to the syllabi or course description of all courses already accomplished at the university of origin.

Section 2- Admission conditions

2.1 GPA conditions

For applicants who hold an undergraduate degree from universities where the minimum grade-point average GPA is of 2.0 cumulative on the 4.0 scale – or its equivalent from universities following a different grading system –, the GC at LGU requires the following:

• A minimum GPA of 2.7/4.0 or its equivalent or
• A score of 400 or higher on the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), subject to the final approval of the GC.
In the event that none of the abovementioned conditions are met, the GC shall study the applicant’s file thoroughly and extensively in order to take the appropriate decision and possibly require additional remedial courses or academic requirements.

2.2 Language proficiency
All candidates must demonstrate proficiency in oral and written English or French prior to registering a Graduate Program.

2.3 Admission status
Applicants are either admitted into the Graduate Program according to one of the below three classifications or rejected in case they fail to meet the standards of the Graduate Program. The Office of Admissions notifies the applicant of the decision by official letter.
– Full acceptance: Applicants who have met all Graduate Program ad¬mission criteria and who have been approved by the GC to pursue a graduate degree at LGU are designated as regular candidates. Applicants might need remedial courses in case they enroll in a major not related to their existing qualifications and skills.

– Conditional acceptance: Applicants whose academic records are inadequate or whose background indicates they may have slight difficulties in per¬forming satisfactorily will be accepted with condition. In this case, applicants are asked to fulfill additional requirements set by the GC when joining the Program.

– Pending acceptance: Applicants who do not have sufficient background that allows them to succeed, have significant difficulties in per¬forming satisfactorily, or lack relevant experience are considered as pending applicants until the fulfillment of the above requirement(s). Accordingly, the GC will reassess the applicants’ admission and revise their status.

Section 3 – Registration Regulations

3.1 Registration fees

When the candidate is accepted, he/she should register the courses and settle the first instalment within the registration period.

3.2 Transfer Credit Policy
Applicants should make a formal request to the Office of Admissions for the transfer of specific courses from another institution of higher education that is of academic standing comparable to LGU. Upon studying the file, the GC decides on the courses that are transferrable.

3.3 Advising

Candidates are requested to meet with their Academic Advisor for the registration and confirmation of courses and for any necessary academic assistance or guidance.

3.4 Course load

Typically, a candidate can register for a total of 60 regular credits during both Fall and Spring semesters and for a maximum of 15 credits during the Summer term.

3.5 Registration deadlines
Candidates are asked to verify the online registration dates posted on LGU’s website (www.lgu.edu.lb) under Academic Calendar – Graduate Programs. Therefore, they are advised to check regularly the aforementioned dates in order to avoid late registration fees.

Section 4 – Grading System

Grade Range Letter Grade Quality Points Legend
95-100 A+ 4.00 Outstanding
90-94 A 3.80 Excellent
85-89 B+ 3.50 Very Good
80-84 B 3.00 Good
75-79 C+ 2.50 Satisfactory
70-74 C 2.00 Fair
65-69 D+ 1.50
Failing
60-64 D 1.00
<60 F 0.00

Grade A indicates work of excellent quality.
Grade B indicates work of good quality.
Grade C indicates the minimum passing grade and unsatisfactory performance.
Grades D and F indicate poor performance that adds no credit to the candidate’s record and considerably lowers his/her GPA.
Other than the grading mentioned in the chart above, candidates should also be familiar with the following grading:

Grade P indicates an acceptable performance in a remedial course taken on a Pass/Non-Pass basis. Such passing grade is a grade of at least 70/100. The credits for such a course are not computed in the candidate’s average. Therefore, it is a grade that has no quality points.
Grade NP indicates a failing performance in a remedial course taken on a Pass/Non-Pass basis. A grade of less than 70/100 on such a course is considered a Non-Pass grade. The credits for such a course are not computed in the average. Therefore, it is a grade that has no quality points.
Grade W indicates an official withdrawal from a course granted to the candidate following a Withdrawal Form submitted by the candidate to the Academic Advisor within the deadline posted on the Academic Calendar. It has no quality points and does not count in the average.
Grade AW indicates an academic withdrawal attributed by the Academic Advisor, after consulting with the Dean, for absenteeism that exceeds the allowed rate of the course or for any other administrative or disciplinary reason.
Grade I indicates incomplete work. It is attributed when a candidate, for some valid reasons approved by the Administration, has not completed some requirements for a course within the deadline (such as a final exam or a project), an internship or a Thesis.

Section 5 – Courses’ Requirements and Regulations

5.1 Attendance

Regular attendance and participation are deemed mandatory in the learning process. Candidates who fail to attend 30% of the scheduled classes per course or module (excluding internship), whether excused or not, are advised to withdraw from the course within the official withdrawal deadline. Otherwise a grade of “AW” will be assigned.

5.2 Incomplete grade

In line with the Graduate Program’s regulations, the grade of Incomplete “I” may be assigned when a candidate’s work in a certain course/internship/thesis is of passing quality and represents a significant portion of the requirements for a final grade, but is incomplete for some valid reason like: illness, serious personal problems, severe accident, recent death in the immediate family, or other situations of equal gravity. In the event of an incomplete work, a request form shall be filled in with the Academic Advisor and submitted for approval to the GC and for setting a new deadline to complete the work.

In order to have a grade of “I” changed to a regular grade, the candidate should complete all remaining requirements within the set deadline. If the requirements are not duly completed, or the deadline is not met, the grade of “I” will turn into “F”.

5.3 Course repeat

Graduate candidates who have completed a course with a grade below C are permitted to repeat it only one time. Candidates may repeat up to 25% of the total courses in which a grade of B or less has been earned to increase their GPA. In the event that a candidate repeats a course, the highest grade obtained will be used in the calculation of the cumulative GPA. If graduate candidates fail to maintain a minimum cumulative average of 3.0 ∕ 4.0, they will be put under probation.

5.4 Pre-requisite courses
Candidates should complete all pre-requisites for the course they want to register. Therefore, they cannot register in a course that has a pre-requisite that remains to be done, or that has a pre-requisite for which they have received a grade of “F” or “D” or “W” or “AW” or “I”.

5.5 Registration for remedial courses
Candidates admitted under the condition of taking remedial courses, should register for these courses upon enrolment at LGU. Remedial courses are to be given one month prior to the beginning of the semester. Remedial courses for which candidates get a “P” or “NP” grade are not subject to any withdrawal rule. If the candidates fail any remedial course, they will be under the obligation to repeat it before proceeding with their Graduate Program.

5.6 Assignments/projects deadlines

It is essential that candidates submit assignments / projects /reports within the deadline (closing date) set by the instructor or the Academic Advisor. If they fail to do so, the assignment / project /report will receive an “F” grade. It is therefore their full responsibility to be informed of the deadlines.

5.7 Online courses
As part of its innovative approach to education and pursuit for international exposure, LGU provides a number of courses through online platforms that reach all candidates wherever they are, hosting international experts from all parts of the world. Candidates’ attendance to those online courses is mandatory and their active participation is required. Online courses are subject to the same academic regulations as any other regular course in terms of:
• Completion of tests or quizzes;
• Participation in discussion forums;
• Submission/completion of assignments within deadlines ;
• Communication with the instructor;
• Allowed rate of absenteeism.

5.8 Participation to seminars, workshops and events

Candidates are advised to attend seminars and workshops held at university that relate to their major as they complement the learning process and add value to the Program. These are fundamental for them to update their knowledge on recent developments or increase their awareness of certain issues. They are also encouraged to participate in the events organized by LGU and be part of its community.

5.9 Thesis Registration

A clearance should be issued by the Academic Advisor upon validation of the Program requirements before candidates are allowed to register their thesis. In other terms, they must successfully complete all courses, modules and internships with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0/4.0.

Section 6 – Administrative affairs

6.1 Financial assistance

Any inquiry relating to financial matters and payments can be addressed to the Business Office.

6.2 Petition forms
Candidates are entitled to fill in a petition form at the Students’ Affairs Office (SAO) to request special consideration on any personal issue (financial, academic, or absenteeism-related).
The petition is studied by the GC, the candidate is informed of the final decision by the SAO.

6.3 Non-conformity forms

Complaints can be recorded in a non-conformity form. Students, instructors, staff, or visitors can fill it in individually or collectively for any academic, administrative, technical, financial, security, documentary, or communicative issue or for any matter related to a conflict, an injustice, or an objection regarding any service. This form can remain anonymous and complaints will be processed by the SAO.

Section 7 – Non-degree Candidates

The non-degree program allows a candidate to attend one or more courses/modules from the Graduate Programs of his/her choice, without committing to a graduate degree.

The non-degree candidate is admitted upon file study. The GC states the admission’s conditions and number of authorized courses/modules that a non-degree candidate can register.

In the event that a candidate wants to change his/her status from non-degree to degree candidate, he/she shall submit a formal application to the GC through the Admissions Office and follow the admission and approval procedures. Candidates should also be aware that residency requirements must be met.

Section 8 – Residency requirements
Candidates are advised to complete all requirements toward their graduate degree within a minimum of 5 semesters (2 years) for Master degrees and 6 semesters (3 years) for DPT and a maximum of 8 semesters (4 years) or 12 semesters (6 years) respectively from the initial date of registration.
A candidate wishing to petition for additional time to completion, due to extenuating circumstances, should consult his/her Academic Advisor to determine a reasonable timeline for program completion and develop a revised academic plan of study.
An extension may be requested for a maximum of one year (3 consecutive semesters). A petition for additional time to completion should be approved by the GC.

Section 9 – Course Withdrawal

Candidates may officially withdraw from a course if they judge they cannot continue taking it or if they receive relatively low grades during the semester. In that case they may fill in a withdrawal form with the Academic Advisor and submit it to the Registrar’s office, within the withdrawal deadline as set on the Academic Calendar. A course withdraw results in a grade of “W” which indicates that the course was attempted but not completed. A “W” has no impact on the candidate’s GPA. Candidates are wholly accountable for making the determination to withdraw. Remedial courses for which candidates get a “P” or “NP” grade are not subject to any withdrawal rule.

Section 10 – Academic Probation

A candidate is under probation when either his/her term or cumulative GPA falls below 3.0/4.0. An academic probation puts the candidate in a critical situation and marks his/her academic record. Continued failure to increase the GPA can result in academic dismissal.

10.1 Removal of Probation

Once the cumulative GPA reaches 3.0 or above, the probation is removed. The candidate should maintain that minimum average until Program completion.

10.2 Academic Dismissal

Academic dismissal is decided by the GC if the candidate has been under probation for 3 semesters and has failed to increase his GPA. The dismissal will appear on the candidate’s academic record.

Section 11 – Freezing Registration

If a candidate requests to freeze his/her registration for some valid reason, the GC recognizes the candidate’s right to do so. Yet, his/her file will be reviewed thoroughly for consideration prior to readmission.

Section 12 – Graduation Clearance

Two semesters before expected graduation date, eligible candidates should have a graduation clearance filled in with their Academic Advisor. This form includes the remaining requirements that candidates should meet in order to graduate.
A Graduation fee is required whether or not candidates participate in the Commencement Ceremony.

Section 13 – Code of Conduct

The University expects a firm adherence to its stated code of values. LGU students, as well as faculty and staff must adhere to and exemplify the values of the University as defined in the Principles of Ethical Conduct. Candidates can, therefore, make responsible academic choices and understand the consequences of their violation of these standards. The full code is available on LGU website and provides a clear statement of the standards of behavior expected in an educational environment. In the following section, some articles of the Code of Conduct are highlighted.

13.1 Academic misconduct and disciplinary actions

Violations of academic integrity reflect negatively on the academic program, the University, and the graduate candidate. Thus, lack of integrity in all its forms cannot be tolerated. Academic integrity can take a number of forms; Common examples of academically dishonest behavior include, but are not limited to, the following:

a. Cheating

• Intentionally using or attempting to use unauthorized materials, information, or study aids in any academic exercise
• Copying from another candidate’s work
• Using electronic devices to communicate information during exams
• Violating rules governing the administration of examinations.
A score of zero on an exam resulting from cheating is counted in the candidate’s course grade. Candidates caught cheating for the second time in the same course will receive a grade of F on that course. The act of cheating will be recorded and included in the candidate’s file.

b. Plagiarism
Plagiarism is the representation of the words, ideas, or sequence of ideas of another as one’s own in any academic exercise without clearly acknowledging the source of that information. Plagiarism and falsification are serious academic offenses that violate academic integrity.
The disciplinary action is determined according to the extent of the act and could range from resubmitting the work to getting a failing grade on the course/assignment.

13.2 Non-academic misconduct and disciplinary actions
Non-academic misconduct can range from theft and destruction to harassment, possession or use of forbidden substance.
Disciplinary actions are determined according to the extent of the act and can range from moral suasion and warning to suspension and expulsion. In some cases it will be recorded in the candidate’s file.